First Skyscraper With Built-In Wind Turbines Opens in London!

The three wind turbines integrated into the pinnacle of the tower provide 8% of the building’s energy needs, which is enough to provide for the building’s electrical and mechanical services, including three express elevators and automated window cleaning rigs. Construction of the top of the tower and integration of the wind turbines was said to be challenging, as every part of the turbines had to be hauled up via crane. The turbines are designed so that they will not be too noisy for the penthouse residents below.

In addition to running off renewable energy, 25% of the development was designed to be affordable housing or for those who earn less than £60,000 a year. So floors 2-10 are affordable flats, while the remaining units are luxury condos all the way up to the penthouse. Markets and shopping areas are close at hand in the Elephant & Castle area, as new buildings and developments are slowly springing up. Two more residential towers are also slated for the area in the near future.